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The dramatic monologue, a distinctive form of lyric poetry, emerged during the Victorian period and found its pinnacle in the works of Robert Browning. This essay delves into the evolution, characteristics, and significance of the dramatic monologue, drawing on prominent examples to illustrate its unique features and impact on literature.
The dramatic monologue, as its name suggests, is a monologue delivered by a single character. However, its essence lies in the nuanced interaction between the speaker and an implied auditor, creating a multifaceted exploration of the speaker's temperament and character.
Robert Browning, often credited with perfecting this form, showcased its potential in poems like "My Last Duchess" and "Soliloquy of a Spanish Cloister." These poems exemplify the three salient features of the dramatic monologue, demonstrating how this form evolved during the Victorian era.
1. Critical Moment: At the heart of the dramatic monologue is the presence of a critical moment.
This moment is pivotal, serving as the catalyst for the speaker's discourse.
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It distinguishes the dramatic monologue from a mere monologue and infuses the narrative with a sense of drama. For instance, in Matthew Arnold's "The Forsaken Merman," the merman's poignant speech unfolds at the moment he realizes his human wife will never return, giving readers insight into his deep despair and loss.
2. Implied Auditor: The second characteristic involves the speaker addressing and interacting with one or more individuals. Remarkably, the reader deduces the auditor's presence solely through clues in the speaker's discourse. While the auditor remains silent, their responses and actions are revealed through the speaker's words. In T.S. Eliot's "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock," Prufrock's implied auditor is his lover, as indicated by lines like "Let us go then, you and I." The absence of direct responses from the auditor adds depth to the speaker's introspection.
3. Self-Revelation: The third key feature revolves around the primary objective of the poet—revealing the speaker's temperament and character in an engaging manner. This self-revelation distinguishes the dramatic monologue from its close relative, the dramatic lyric, which also involves a monologue at a specific moment but does not offer new insights into the speaker's character. For instance, in Robert Browning's "Porphyria's Lover," the speaker gradually unveils his descent into madness, culminating in a shocking act. Such revelations are quintessential to the dramatic monologue, providing readers with a profound understanding of the speaker's psyche.
It's important to note that a dramatic monologue may not necessarily exhibit all three characteristics simultaneously. "Dover Beach" by Matthew Arnold, for example, lacks the element of a critical moment. Yet, it is classified as a dramatic monologue due to its single speaker, implied auditor (the speaker's love), and the evocative address in the poem's final stanza: "Ah, love, let us be true." This adaptability makes the dramatic monologue a versatile and captivating poetic style.
In conclusion, the dramatic monologue, pioneered during the Victorian era and epitomized by Robert Browning's contributions, stands as a unique form of lyric poetry. Its evolution and distinct characteristics, including the presence of a critical moment, an implied auditor, and a focus on self-revelation, contribute to its enduring appeal in the world of literature. This flexibility in structure allows poets to explore the depths of human psychology and emotion, making the dramatic monologue a powerful and enduring form of artistic expression.
The Evolution and Characteristics of the Dramatic Monologue. (2016, Jul 19). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/dramatic-monologue-as-a-type-of-poetry-essay
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